South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged nations to reaffirm their commitment to international law, warning that conflicts and displacement are exposing inequalities in global justice…reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed global commitment to the international rule of law, warning that ongoing conflicts, forced displacement and the lack of accountability are undermining the principles of justice and equality.
Addressing the Access to Justice International Conference in South Africa’s North West Province on Thursday, Ramaphosa urged countries to strengthen international cooperation, dialogue and institutional frameworks to ensure that international law is applied equally to all nations.
“We must therefore reaffirm our commitment to the international rule of law. International law must apply equally to all nations,” he said.
Ramaphosa highlighted the suffering of millions of people affected by conflicts and displacement across the world, expressing concern that those responsible for violations of international law were often not held accountable.
He stressed that protecting civilians, upholding human dignity and ensuring accountability should remain fundamental principles of the international legal system, irrespective of the political influence, economic strength or status of those involved.
“There cannot be one standard of justice for the powerful and another for the weak. The credibility of the international legal order depends on its fairness, its consistency and its independence,” he said.
The South African President also reaffirmed his country’s support for multilateralism, calling for stronger international institutions and greater cooperation to improve access to justice worldwide.
He said respect for international law was essential to creating a more peaceful, just and equitable global order.
“We believe that respect for international law is essential to building a more peaceful, just and equitable world,” Ramaphosa said.
Focus on people-centred justice
Beyond international conflicts, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to ensure that ordinary people could access justice and receive fair treatment when facing legal challenges.
He pointed to the difficulties experienced by workers dealing with workplace disputes, women facing violence, consumers involved in contractual disagreements and families threatened with eviction.
His remarks highlighted the importance of building justice systems that respond to the everyday experiences and needs of vulnerable sections of society.
The three-day Access to Justice International Conference, which runs from Wednesday to Friday, is being held under the theme ‘Strengthening People-Centred Justice Systems: Deepening Democracy’.
The conference brings together participants to discuss ways to strengthen people-centred and victim-responsive justice systems, while examining international and regional efforts to expand access to legal remedies.
It also seeks to place greater emphasis on the lived experiences of people navigating justice systems and the barriers they encounter.
The event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution, marking three decades of the country’s constitutional framework.
The conference aims to encourage international dialogue on improving justice delivery, deepening democracy and ensuring that legal protections are accessible to all, regardless of their social or economic position.
